Indiana University

Problem:

Interdisciplinary leadership education in neurodevelopmental/related disabilities to address the needs of children, mothers, fathers, and families; personnel preparation to respond to those needs; and children and families’ access to appropriate professionals to address developmental concerns.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: Provide an interdisciplinary leadership training program in neurodevelopmental conditions and related disorders for long and intermediate term trainees Objective 1: One long term trainee from each of the 18 disciplines Objective 2: Provide annual Outcomes Research Seminar 10 hours Objective 3: Provide at least one clinic-based and one community-based leadership learning experience demonstrating best practices in service delivery Goal 2: Provide exemplary interdisciplinary clinical service to children and adolescents and their families Objective 1: Serve at least 350 children and their families each year Objective 2: Verify immunization status of 400 clients Objective 3: Provide nutritional assessments by a nutritionist for 50 clients Goal 3: Provide continuing education, technical assistance and consultation to health care professionals, families and advocates Objective 1: Provide 10 training workshops annually Objective 2: Provide continuing education and technical assistance to more than 1200 professionals annually Objective 3: Provide technical assistance to 30 local, state and national groups annually Goal 4: Support additional relevant clinical, biomedical and behavioral investigations that advance children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and their families Objective 1: Publish at least 15 articles, manuscripts, technical reports or training documents annually Objective 2: Integrate trainees into research activities Objective 3: Collect data through surveys and other means to evaluate and enhance program activities Goal 5: Integrate the family member discipline completely into the interdisciplinary training program Objective 1: Define and promote the role of the family member in an interdisciplinary setting Objective 2: Establish the family as a collegial, free standing discipline regardless of career status Objective 3: Secure funding for supporting the involvement of the family member in the RCDC leadership training program

Methodology:

The interdisciplinary leadership training goals and objectives are achieved through competency-based training initiatives at the clinical and community level. The core competencies prepare trainees for multiple levels of administrative and clinical responsibilities. Trainees individualize their planned training experiences based on their interests in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. Trainees experience clinical practice via an interdisciplinary training clinic serving children with behavioral, learning and other developmental concerns in both center and community-based settings. Didactic learning opportunities are included in training plans covering MCH related topics. All training activities address cultural competence and family centered care. The medical home concept is infused throughout training and clinical experiences. Continuing education opportunities are offered locally, statewide, regionally and nationally via blended delivery methods including workshops, seminars, distance learning, interactive video sessions, web-based, online and academic courses, and community outreach presentations. Trainees and faculty collaborate in various research, publication and dissemination activities. Outcome results are disseminated through websites and other electronic means, brochures and reports. Activities are continuously monitored and evaluated to assure a successful training experience.

Coordination:

Indiana Department of Health (Early Childhood Comprehensive System project, Child Obesity Prevention project, Champions grant, Child Care Training project, stakeholder panels, review panels); MCHB (LENDlinks, SSI project, grant reviews; MCHB Regions V/VII MCH meeting, Adolescent and Nutrition training programs); FSSA/Part C (early intervention); DOE/Part B and 619 (special education); Mental Health Assn in IN; Indiana Parent Information Network; Indiana Perinatal Network; and others.

Evaluation:

Trainees access regular formal and informal evaluation of their skills and progress including a formal evaluation upon completion. A follow-up survey of long-term trainees assesses attainment of leadership positions and accomplishments. Services and continuing education activities are evaluated via surveys conducted by faculty and trainees. Evaluation data is collected and reviewed to measure accomplishment of outcomes. Results are used to improve and modify the project activities.

Experience to Date:

During this project year, the RCDC celebrated its 35th anniversary as an interdisciplinary training program which resulted in excellent media coverage. In the current project year over 20 trainees have participated representing many of the target disciplines. Efforts continue to recruit diverse trainees. Over 550 children and their families have benefited from the interdisciplinary clinic services which enhances the training program. The RCDC works collaboratively with the MCHB funded Leadership Education Excellence in Pediatric Nutrition Training Program and the Leadership Education in Adolescence Health Training Program sharing resources and combining training efforts and opportunities. In partnership with the Title V system, the RCDC partners with the Sunny Start (Early Childhood Comprehensive System strategic plan) initiative, the Childhood Obesity Prevention in Indiana project, and efforts to enhance mental health services for young children and their caregivers. Regionally the RCDC supports the Central Conference of interdisciplinary training programs which partners with interdisciplinary training programs across the Midwest. The RCDC continues to support Indiana’s Part C early intervention and Part B special education systems through training, policy development and research activities. Locally the RCDC is supporting a training project with Child Care Answers to create an online learning opportunity in infant mental health.